Critical dialogue with Hick's religious pluralism and Newbigin's theology of religions : for the recovery of mission in the Korean Christian

• Main Author: Cho, Youngseok
• Published: University of Birmingham 2004
• Subjects: 201
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.497084

The objectives of this research are three in number: an understanding of Hick's religious pluralism and Newbigin's theology of religions; an exploration of the reason for their divergence; and a constructive suggestion for the recovery of mission anew, despite the challenge of religious pluralism. Hick's religious pluralism focuses on the Real-centredness based on religious experience and supported by its fruits. Newbigin's theology of religions focuses on Christ (or Trinitarian)-centredness based on confession. The main reason for their divergence is their different paradigms. Hick's was transformed into a religious pluralistic paradigm, while Newbigin's retained a particularistic (Christian) paradigm. Each one's paradigm was closely related to his faith (presupposition). Two constructive suggestions for the Korean Christian context are pointed out: biblical study and following the model of Jesus Christ. Biblical study, taking account of the Korean Christian context, has the hope that Christians will find a wider meaning of God in the Bible, while keeping their faith. Following the model of Jesus Christ emphasizes orthopraxis as well as orthodoxy. It means following Jesus, self-emptying and self-sacrifice for the sake of mission to people of other faiths.